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Forensic expert: Limberios death was homicide

Manner of death: homicide. It's a bombshell and the final word from renowned forensic pathologist Cyril Wecht, who after reviewing the evidence determined 19-year-old Jacob Limberios could not have shot himself on March 2.

Emil Whitis

YORK TWP.

Jan 29, 2013

It's also a direct contradiction to Sandusky County coroner John Wukie's confusing opinion that Jacob accidentally committed suicide.

During an autopsy of the body, Wecht found no gunpowder burns on or inside Jacob's head.

"Examination of the exposed scalp surrounding the entrance wound revealed no evidence of stippling or gun powder residue," Wecht stated in a Dec. 12 report, which the Register obtained this past week. "This shot would have been fired beyond a distance of 24 inches."

Wecht also noted the bullet passed through Jacob's head at a downward angle. It's all the more confounding, given that investigators had recovered the fatal bullet from the ceiling inside the home where Jacob died.

Stated Wecht's report: "I find it extremely difficult to envision a scenario in which Jacob Limberios could have shot himself either accidentally or with suicidal intent. Accordingly, it is my professional opinion, based upon a reasonable degree of medical certainty, that the manner of death in this case should be considered a homicide."

Wecht's letter effectively throws the Jacob Limberios case into a new dimension – or at least a place where Sandusky County officials would likely rather not go.

Just hours after Jacob was shot and killed inside a County Road 294 home, Wukie issued a coroner's report listing the cause of death as "suicide. Gunshot wound to head. Deceased shot self in head, may not have realized gun was loaded."

Sandusky County Sheriff Kyle Overmyer and a few deputies had been at the scene that night, too, but they all left without collecting the bullet from the ceiling. About eight months later, sheriff's Detective Sean O'Connell recovered the bullet.

Three people were inside the house with Jacob that night, and they all told deputies Jacob shot himself.

Jacob's body was found lying on the living room, a .357 handgun nearby.

His family pleaded with Sandusky County officials to conduct an autopsy, but they refused, saying it was closed.

In late September the family paid to exhume their son's body and send it to Pittsburgh, where Wecht could conduct a full autopsy.

The findings are nothing short of astonishing.

"It's just one of many terrible ironies in this case," said Dan McGookey, the Sandusky attorney hired by Jacob's parents, Mike and Shannon Limberios. "Nine months ago we were begging for an autopsy. Now that we got an answer they didn't want, they want to exhume the body for a second time."

Wukie's state-appointed attorney, Dean Henry, now wants a second opinion — he said he's just doing what any attorney would do, seeking their own expert for an independent opinion.

"They bought and paid for their expert … (and) they got the results they paid for," Henry said.

He said he's merely seeking the same opportunity.

On Thursday, Mike Limberios withdrew his support for a second autopsy until the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation completes its forensic testing of the gun.

Henry said he has, for now, put the brakes on his plan for a second exhumation.

"I understand the family is frustrated," Henry said. "But frustration isn't going to get us where we need to be.

"There's more than one way to do this," Henry said. "I was trying to do it in a way that was courteous and respectful. I'm going to discuss the matter with (Wukie)."

About three months ago, Sandusky County deputies sent the .357 Magnum to BCI for ballistics and finger-print testing. In about 90 days since, BCI hasn't returned any results, McGookey said.

A recent publication printed by the Ohio Attorney General's Office said the average processing time for a gun is about 16 days.

McGookey said he withheld Wecht's homicide ruling from the Register as a sign of goodwill to Sandusky County officials and investigators. He was hoping investigators would get things done, so he wouldn't have to add extra pressure from the media.

But that goodwill ended this past week when McGookey emailed the Register copy of Wecht's report.

McGookey and others had said all along that Wukie's report on Jacob's death made no sense.

Wecht, in fact, called it an "oxymoron" — there's no way to die of suicide unintentionally.

Even Henry agreed there's a problem: "Yes, I see a contradiction," he said.

McGookey plans to subpoena the three witnesses, Wukie and Sheriff Kyle Overmyer for depositions in February.

Comments

Moderators have removed this comment because it contained Profane, obscene, sexual or derogatory language.

bmgasser

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 3:22pm

Exactly "his friends"...give me a break!

liveurlife

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 3:46pm

Moderators have removed this comment because it contained Personal attacks (including: name calling, presumption of guilt or guilt by association, insensitivity, or picking fights) and Libel and defamation.

Investigative reporting brings out the hidden truth. Newspapers are one power that should expose the powers that be.

rickross2

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 3:55pm

wow

richrs

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 3:56pm

I'm wondering how much this Dr's word holds in the legal system of Sandusky County. Being the county coroner is the only person who can declare a death a homicide?

nosey rosey

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:02pm

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's off to the bank they go. Bad things happen when you play with guns.

LookingDown

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 8:01am

There is a special place for ppl like you when you go! BURN BABY BURN.... Trying to do this so the SR doesn't delete my comment!!!!!

Truth Seeker

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:07pm

Moderators have removed this comment because it contained Personal attacks (including: name calling, presumption of guilt or guilt by association, insensitivity, or picking fights) and Libel and defamation.

bmgasser

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:10pm

The mother of his child was not a witness. History of reckless behavior? They lied about killing him..what are you talking about?

Swamp Fox

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:38pm

This expert was forced to resign as Allegheny County Medical Examiner and had to repay over $200,000 to the county for his questionable practices. He went into debt almost $6 million in his defense which might be the reason he is now known as a hired gun in high profile cases which he charges high fees. This expert is a a hired gun for the family, do they want the truth or a civil settlement from the county or life insurance? If the family wants the truth why wouldn't they want a third independent expert to conduct an autopsy? Is this article slanted, could it be the Register is once again on another anti-law enforcement binge to sell papers?

bmgasser

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:28pm

Read my comment discussing the hiring of Dr. Wecht on the last page of comments on the last article.

sanduskysteve

Wed, 01/30/2013 - 11:29pm

I'm curious about your comment about the Register slanting an article???? They printed the information provided. The Register did not order an autopsy. The Register did not pay for the autopsy. How is the Register to blame for the family wanting answers to their unanswered questions. Why was there no autopsy in the first place??? Sounds like LEA wasn't doing their job very well. And why did they not remove the evidence (bullet in the ceiling)??? Doesn't that sound suspicious to anyone??? Regardless of what they thought happened - wouldn't you gather all of your evidence??? I guess they figured the family would just sit back and take whatever story they were given. Not everyone will bow down to LEA just because they are the cops. Cops make mistakes - and it appears that cops also pay off medical examiners as well.

Kayleigh.Bowers

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:31pm

Truth seeker, I'm the mother of his child. Are you high? I was NOT a witness. And history of reckless behavior? He obviously wasn't a reckless man if he has never been in trouble and it's obvious he didn't kill himself.
As far the rest of you negative bloggers, WE ARE NOT SEEKING THE TRUTH FOR COMPENSATION, so nosey rosey you can go be nosey somewhere else. We are simply seeking the truth because we deserve the truth.
Play with guns? Obviously FROM THIS ARTICLE JACOB WAS NOT THE ONE PLAYING WITH IT!

lolllllll lol

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 6:36pm

Payed for what you wanted to hear.

LookingDown

Thu, 01/31/2013 - 3:13am

You shouldn't read these......mostly NoseyRosey....name says it all.......most are trolls with no jobs or retired. Do what you do!

SAHM

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:31pm

So happy for the Limberios family! What an ordeal you have gone through. May God grant you the peace to make it through the next difficult steps.
Sue the darn city and everyone you can! May it be a lesson that they will NEVER do this to another family. It could be any of us one day!!

mikel

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:32pm

not saying one way or another. but, everyone has an "expert". now, the county could get an "expert" to refute the other "experts" opinion. this will probably be drug out for a while.

sanduskysteve

Wed, 01/30/2013 - 11:32pm

If the evidence is accurate from the autopsy, I would have to agree with his conclusion. I'm sure it would be one story against another story, but one of those stories will make sense and the other one won't and will be difficult to prove with rebuttal witnesses.

mikel

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:35pm

where would this have gone if the coroner had put accidental instead of suicide?

Kayleigh.Bowers

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:38pm

It would have gone the same direction mikel. We are looking to find what happened that night because the county neglected to do so.

tk

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:49pm

Hang in there. Slowly you are getting the answers. I'm so sorry you and the family have had to go through all of this. The county officials should have been working for/with you.

mikel

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 7:08pm

thats fine. was just curious.

OMGreally

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:42pm

So let me get this straight...the CORONERS attorney wants the same opportunity to examine the body??? Shouldnt the CORONER have examined the body when he had the chance instead of letting the "network" help cover each other's butts...

bmgasser

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:45pm

Spot On!

Kmf1984

Wed, 01/30/2013 - 12:35am

Sandusky county doesn't do autopsies

Kayleigh.Bowers

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:45pm

Thank you OMGReally! Finally someone with common sense! No one gets why we hired dr. Wecht. We hired him because sandusky county failed to do an investigation!

Swamp Fox

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:47pm

If anyone is disputing that this expert was not a hired gun answer this simple question, who paid him and how much? No one is disputing that this death was a tragedy for the family.

sanduskysteve

Wed, 01/30/2013 - 11:36pm

So, Swampy, in your opinion, Police never lie, and you believe everything they tell you without question. Even if they do no investigation - even if they don't even extract evidence from the scene, even if they are in a big hurry to cover something up. Figures.

PerkinsBlueStreak

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:48pm

why is everyone assuming they're after money? the family obviously suspected foul play or they wouldn't have taken this case as far as to exhume their sons body.

OMGreally

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:49pm

To me it just seems like there was a big rush to get the body in the ground and make it all go away, no disrespect to his family. I would be curious to know if any of those kids that were there with him that night have family in the "network". Gotta love small towns and small town politics...

OMGreally

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:51pm

@SwampFox all "experts" are that way...just like the coroners "expert" will be a "hired gun" the problem is, he is now going to have to do the work the coroner himself should have done himself. Plus, most "experts" aren't going to take the chance or ruining their rep by lying on a stand, because these "experts" make a living testifying and they wont want to ruin their money train. It isn't like there are a group of experts sitting around thinking Sandusky County murder/suicide investigations are their money train...

OMGreally

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 4:53pm

and for the record I dont know the family or anyone involved..just looking at it from the outside...

Swamp Fox

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 5:10pm

"But that goodwill ended this past week when McGookey emailed the Register copy of Wecht's report". Why the Register and not the Fremont News Messenger which is located in Sandusky County where this occurred? This quote from a recent article in the News Messenger "Wecht declined to comment for this story. The Limberioses’ attorney, Daniel McGookey of Sandusky, did not return a message seeking comment". If someone wants to put pressure on public officials do it where they have to be elected, not an adjoining county unless you are media shopping for a favorable slant.

Cowboy

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 5:11pm

And those three thought they were off scott free! Let's see who the first one is to take a plea and save themself.

jamo

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 5:21pm

Still too many questions. Was there gun shot residue on Jacob's hand? If the bullet went in at a downward angle, how did it end up in the ceiling? Was more than one shot fired from the gun that night?

bmgasser

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 5:24pm

Because his head was tilted. There was gun shot residue on all of their hands. Yes

Kottage Kat

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 5:39pm

Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow.
Praying for all. Stay strong for Jake you are his voice.
God speed on your journey

Kat

EZOB

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 6:07pm

If I remember correctly, the Family was begging for an autopsy and now that they go and have it done on their own the Coroner and those in charge of the investigation call this autopsy false. They had every chance to do their autopsy first. I use the term "Investigation" loosely because it sure lacked professionalism by any standards. Now BCI is at 90 days when it normally takes 16 days. Those in charge automatically bring the negative thoughts when they don't follow the "Norm". I appologize for saying this but Had He died in an accident you'd already have the results, alcohol and drug content, who was at fault etc.

Ellis dee

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 6:31pm

Hope the truth comes out soon. Can't imagine going through all of this and not find a definite answer

TRISTINPRUITT

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 6:39pm

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE ACCUSING KAILEIGH AND HIS FAMILY OF WANTING MONEY YOU SHOULD BE ASSHAMED! THIS IS RIDICILOUS! I KNOW HER PERSONALLY AND I YOU ALL ARE HORIABLE! WHAT IF THIS WAS YOUR BOYFRIEND, CHILDS FATHER, MOTHER, GIRLFRIEND, WIFE, HUSBAND...ANY FREAKING ONE CLOSE TO YOU AND YOU KNEW IN YOUR HEART THAT THAT WAS NOT HOW THEY DIED THAT THEY DID NOT COMMIT SUICIDE..WOULDNT YOU DO ALL IN YOUR POWER TO FIND THE TRUTH THE FACTS? HOW DO YOU EXPECT THEM TO EXPLAIN TO HIS DAUGHTER THAT SORRY DADDY KILLED HIMSELF? HOW DO YOU THINK THAT POOR LITTLE GIRL WILL FEEL GROWING UP WHEN SHE IS OLD ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND AND THINKS HER DADDY KILLED HERSELF OR HER DADDY DIDNT LOVE HER ENOUGH TO STAY HERE WITH HER? ITS BOLOGNA! THEY KNOW THE TRUTH AND JUST WANT IN IN WRITING FOR THAT LITTLE GIRLS SAKE NOT FOR MONEY! AND YOU WOULD FEEL THE SAME WAY TOO STOP JUDGING NOT EVERYONE IS OUT FOR MONEY. THEY ARE GOOD HONEST PEOPLE AND JUST TRYING TO DO THE RIGGHT THING FOR THE DARN BABY!

AND PS I DONT CARE ABOUT MY PUNCTUATION GROW UP AND GET A LIFE IF YOU DONT HAVE ANYTHING NICE TO SAY KEEP IT TO YOURSELF.

Dont Worry Be Happy

Wed, 01/30/2013 - 8:28pm

You go girl!!!!

WhatTheHeck

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 6:42pm

Shame

hbowers

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 6:56pm

For those that think this family is out for money, are you kidding? If your loved one died under highly suspicious circumstances, could you live with NOT knowing what really happened for the rest of your life? I know I couldn't.

TRISTINPRUITT

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 6:57pm

KAYLEIGH I LOVE YOU <3 AND I HOPE YOU AND YOUR LITTLE PRINCESS AND THE REST OF HIS FAMILY FIND OUT THE TRUTH SO HIS SOUL CAN FINALLY REST IN PEACE . I do not know what you all are going through but I have lost someone very close to me as well and I do know everyone deals with death in different ways... however I couldn't imagine what all of you are dealing with its a total different type of grief. and no one on here has any business commenting negatively because 100% none of them know what any of you are going through so just try to ignore their useless hurtful comments hun. as you can see they are all hiding behind some "secret" name and cant comment with their real name so feel they can say stupid things. had they have a real name like you and I and some others im sure they wouldn't be saying the things they are saying. they wouldn't want to own up to their stupidity.

you worry about the facts and finding justice for your princess' daddy :) she deserves it. you deserve it. you all do. I hope you find peace and can begin to finally grief in the correct ways instead of sitting back asking questions youll soon have answers . its always going to hurt believe me, but it will get easier. I promise hun. may take time everyone is different but in time your own time you will begin to understand more and have your closure. LOVE YA !!

Perkins2060

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 7:21pm

Why wasn't the body sent to Toledo like Baxter does in Erie County for everything?

luvblues2

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 7:57pm

Ummm yeah...why didn't Sandusky Co. send him to Erie Co. so he could be sent to Toledo. Good question.

@Perkins2060. You don't read much?

Perkins2060

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 8:26pm

Why not be like our paid coroner and send to Toledo? Fair question.

mhs parent

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 8:35pm

My heart goes to Jakes Family and close Friends. I pray that those involved finally come forward with the TRUTH because the TRUTH is NOT stressful, the TRUTH shall set you FREE!! Lies on the other hand are very STRESSFUL, because once you start telling them one lie leads to another, and to another and before you know it you don't remember the last lie you told so then you contradict your self with new lies. The Truth is so much easier. Just an observation from someone looking in from the outside.

To those who have made comments that this family is looking for a payday ect ect......... Mike and Shannon are not like that, all they want is the Truth!! As Jakes Parents they are certainly entitled to the truth.

So Sandusky County Officials, PLEASE stop playing games and do your JOB! And to the people who where witnesses the night Jacob died, PLEASE come forward with the whole TRUTH. The Truth from you would stop all this Craziness once and for all, Jake could then finally rest in Peace and one Day when little Ella is old enough to really understand, she will have REAL answers as to why her Daddy is not here. Is there anyone more important than this Beautiful Little Girl??

Much love to the family, I do believe that all our Prayers will be answered and the Truth will come to light.

RUKidding

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 10:20pm

Since Dr. Wecht has been involved why not put more heat on to the small town corruption system and send this story to one of the Headline news shows like Nancy Grace. This is certainly turning more and more into a story that she usually eats up on her show. Really put the spotlight on it.

Perkins2060

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 10:28pm

No one watches CNN or Nancy Grace. Fox News would get the word out.

sanduskysteve

Wed, 01/30/2013 - 11:45pm

FNC??? I love it - they would report it AFTER they twisted it up into small unrecognizable pieces like they do everything. In the end, they would say Sandusky County is right.

bmgasser

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 11:00pm

It has been submitted to Dr. Phil. Dr. Wecht was a previous guest on the show

Kottage Kat

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 10:25pm

Excellent suggestion

TuffNutts2011

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 10:37pm

Now one of Jacobs friends is about to go to prison for what was probably an accident. Im sure thats not the way Jacob would have wanted it. Too late to take it back now.

bmgasser

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 10:59pm

No one their was his friend. That is factual. That was the first time he ever even met the two male witnesses

bmgasser

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 11:00pm

There*

hbowers

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 11:45pm

Maybe the witnesses should have come forward with the truth from the beginning. They caused a mess for themselves and I'm not sympathetic for anyone but the Limberios family, Kayleigh, and little Ella.

fica

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 11:59pm

My heart and prayers go out to all the loved ones. Had they not continually pursued just a fair ruling, this poor family would forever have wondered what what really happened. But now they know what really happened. The accountability of the professionals and friends involved is disturbing. I applaud the family, throughout their grief, for fighting for Jacob. I hope in time you are able to grieve fully, as you have been denied so far. God bless.

joshua206

Wed, 01/30/2013 - 12:04am

How inept can you be, not to look for gun powder burns in an autopsy?

I just shake my head in disbelief.

I feel so sorry for this family, they have been victimized many times.

First their son was murdered, then the county lets the murderer walk.

I refuse to call this travisty of justice an investigation.

I dont know where to begin, lets start with the Sheriffs office. These guys get paid? They let this boys killer(s) go free. I am sure they will blame the corornor but in the end it was their investigation. Speaking of the corornor, jeeze what a law suit waiting to happen. His inepitude knows no bounds. Here he totally botched the autopsy. Now he wants a second chance? OBCI, you should be ashamed. I am ashamed of you.

I feel badly for this family. They have experienced a great loss, then the county totally botches the inquest.

So now there is a killer on the loose.

Justice for Jacob, he sure has not had any yet.

Julie R.

Wed, 01/30/2013 - 5:47am

How did they ever get away without doing an autopsy to begin with? One would think an autopsy would have been mandatory even if they thought it was an accident or suicide.

deertracker

Wed, 01/30/2013 - 3:50pm

Great point!

West

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 10:50am

Ohio law mandates that a autopsy be perforemed upon a suspicious death occurence.

docjuandon

Wed, 01/30/2013 - 6:56am

Can they not get th eFBI involved? I bet they would get some answers!

liveurlife

Wed, 01/30/2013 - 1:11pm

Alot of ppl will be losing there job after this

Swamp Fox

Wed, 01/30/2013 - 6:02pm

Moderators have removed this comment because it contained Personal attacks (including: name calling, presumption of guilt or guilt by association, insensitivity, or picking fights).

commonsense1969

Wed, 01/30/2013 - 6:52pm

Wukie is very dirty in this. Why the attorney? If it is as simple as not doing his job, then admit it and move on, but the stalling and blocking tells me there is a huge coverup and a lot of people are involved in some high places.

bmgasser

Wed, 01/30/2013 - 7:12pm

That is a very handsome picture of Jake

West

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 9:32am

Breaking News!

This case is very similar to the cover-up involving the murder of Krista Harris' former attorney, Steven L. Howland of Cleveland Heights, Ohio.

Steven Howland was Ms. Harris' key witness and attorney in the sham theft case brought against her by Erie County Prosecutor, Kevin Baxter, and Medina County Prosecutor, Dean Holman. See Case No. 2001-CR-094, State v. Krista Harris, In the Common Pleas Court of Erie County, Ohio.

Moreover,court documents evidences that Krista was falsely convicted of multiple counts of theft in violation of O.R.C. 2913.61(C)(1) and violations of the Double Jeopardy Clause of the U.S. and Ohio Constitution.

Furthermore, had Steven not been murdered he would have been able to testify at Harris' trial as a key witness!

Well, it's now obvious that Jacob Limberios had information that was damaging to someone in law enforcement.

West

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 2:36pm

Hey Buff, I'm still waiting for your response.

IcallBullSchitt

Fri, 02/01/2013 - 6:32pm

My lord! Some of you people are just drama hungry bums with no lives! You must just sit on your butt all day just waiting to start some kind of crap with people. I can guarantee if this were ANY of your families that this happened to, you would feel the same way Jacobs parents and family do! To me, I dont think this has ANYthing to do with money! They want answers or at least their sons death to be properly investigated, I see nothing wrong with that. I support them one hundred percent! Don't stop until you get your answers and may god be with you.

so.....

Sat, 02/02/2013 - 12:30am

the limberios family are great people. they are not money hungry. as any parent would, they want to know the truth about their childs death. accidental suicide??? how does that work? accidental death? maybe. but accidental suicide? come on...how stupid.

CelindaB

Sun, 02/03/2013 - 12:45pm

my classmate's mother-in-law makes $66/hr on the laptop. She has been out of work for 10 months but last month her paycheck was $20534 just working on the laptop for a few hours. Go to this web site and read more FAB33.COM

CelindaB

Sun, 02/03/2013 - 12:53pm

up to I saw the receipt four $9465, I didnt believe that my cousin woz like they say trully bringing in money part-time from their laptop.. there neighbor has done this for only about 11 months and by now cleared the morgage on there cottage and bourt themselves a Mercedes. read more at, FAB33.COM